Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly keeping a watchful eye on how things unravel for Isco at Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.
Italian publication Tuttosport has speculated that Liverpool and Manchester United are still interested in the prospect of bringing Isco to the Premier League. The player has been enduring a tough time at Real Madrid and has been rumoured to be an expendable asset at Santiago Bernabeu now.
The report states that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is looking to cash in on Isco, Gareth Bale and Marcelo among the superstars at the club and will likely be ready to listen to incoming offers in the summer. Juventus are reportedly interested in Isco and Marcelo and are ready to include Alex Sandro in any potential deal for either or both in order to cut down on the outlay.
The prospect of offering a player Real Madrid need could also accentuate their chances of landing the player(s) ahead of other clubs.
Isco was brought in from Malaga in the summer of 2013 and has been in-and-out of the starting eleven, failing to land a spot as a regular within the team. The Spaniard slowly became a key player under Julen Lopetegui. But, the former Spanish National Team manager’s early and untimely departure and the subsequent appointment of Santiago Solari has pushed him to a bench role again at Real Madrid.
Despite a total of 26 appearances this season, Isco has amassed only 1175 minutes of football, producing returns of 4 goals and an assist, which is far from what is expected from the player, by the player in terms of game time and from the club’s point of view as well. Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly among a number of clubs keen on Isco, should he be available in the summer, which looks more likely than not.
The Reds do not have a dearth of options in midfield or in attack or even in terms of squad depth in the two areas. But, Liverpool have seen their world-class front three fail to deliver in the last few matches and Jurgen Klopp is looking to add more quality to the squad in order to make Liverpool compete on all fronts.
Manchester United could actually use Isco as a number 10, should Mauricio Pochettino be appointed as the next permanent manager at Old Trafford, with the Argentine using a 4-2-3-1 formation. Even if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains, the manager could view the player as a replacement for Juan Mata, who is yet to sign an extension at the club, despite reports that he is close to a new contract.
Alternatively, Isco can also act as an upgrade or alternative to Jesse Lingard whenever Solskjaer has opted to play a 4-3-1-2 formation of sorts.
The report does not highlight or shed any light upon Isco’s wish or preference. But, the midfielder is likely to ask for a move if things fail to improve for him at Real Madrid by the end of the season. Liverpool, Manchester United and Juventus are among several suitors for the Spaniard and right now, it would not be too much of a surprise if he ends up at any of those three clubs.
